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Elgato Game Capture 4K60 Pro MK.2 vs Magewell Pro Capture HDMI 4K Plus: Comparison

What is the difference between Elgato Game Capture 4K60 Pro MK.2 and Magewell Pro Capture HDMI 4K Plus?

Start with latency, because it is the widest measured gap between them: Elgato Game Capture 4K60 Pro MK.2 3 ms against Magewell Pro Capture HDMI 4K Plus 5 ms, 67% in favour of Elgato Game Capture 4K60 Pro MK.2.

Which should you buy, Elgato Game Capture 4K60 Pro MK.2 or Magewell Pro Capture HDMI 4K Plus?

Buy the Elgato Game Capture 4K60 Pro MK.2 for desktop builders with older motherboards needing PCIe Gen 3 compatibility and anyone who doesn't need VRR passthrough or multi-app capture specifically, though it is not built for laptop users, this is a desktop-only internal PCIe card. The same goes for budget buyers who find this discounted now that 4K X and 4K Pro have replaced it. It is the wrong buy for VRR passthrough for variable refresh rate displays, get the 4K X instead. The Magewell Pro Capture HDMI 4K Plus suits broadcast and multi-camera production studios needing hardware sync and facilities already standardized on Magewell's Pro Capture SDK and ecosystem, though it is the wrong buy for laptop users, this is a desktop-only internal PCIe card and anyone not doing multi-camera or broadcast-grade production work. It also earns its place with anyone needing sustained 4K60 capture bandwidth beyond what USB can reliably deliver. It is not the one for home streamers or gamers, this is priced well beyond consumer capture needs. Our rating of the Elgato Game Capture 4K60 Pro MK.2 (7/10): still a genuinely strong 4K60 HDR10 card if found discounted, though the 4K X and 4K Pro have since taken its place for good reasons.

Frequently asked questions

Do the Elgato Game Capture 4K60 Pro MK.2 and Magewell Pro Capture HDMI 4K Plus differ on max recording resolution?

Yes. Max Recording Resolution reads 4K60 HDR10 on the Elgato Game Capture 4K60 Pro MK.2 versus 4K60 on the Magewell Pro Capture HDMI 4K Plus.

Is the Form Factor the same on the Elgato Game Capture 4K60 Pro MK.2 and Magewell Pro Capture HDMI 4K Plus?

It is. Both are listed at Internal PCIe, so it is not a reason to pick one over the other.

Specs and benchmarks

  • Form Factor

    Elgato Game Capture 4K60 Pro MK.2
    Internal PCIe
    Magewell Pro Capture HDMI 4K Plus
    Internal PCIe
  • Brand

    Elgato Game Capture 4K60 Pro MK.2
    Elgato
    Magewell Pro Capture HDMI 4K Plus
    Magewell
  • Model Number

    Elgato Game Capture 4K60 Pro MK.2
    Game Capture 4K60 Pro MK.2
    Magewell Pro Capture HDMI 4K Plus
    Pro Capture HDMI 4K Plus
  • Connection Type

    Elgato Game Capture 4K60 Pro MK.2
    PCIe x4
    Magewell Pro Capture HDMI 4K Plus
    PCIe x4
  • Max Recording Resolution

    Elgato Game Capture 4K60 Pro MK.2
    4K60 HDR10
    Magewell Pro Capture HDMI 4K Plus
    4K60
  • Passthrough Resolution

    Elgato Game Capture 4K60 Pro MK.2
    4K60 HDR10
    Magewell Pro Capture HDMI 4K Plus
    4K60
  • HDR Support

    Elgato Game Capture 4K60 Pro MK.2
    Yes
    Magewell Pro Capture HDMI 4K Plus
    No
  • Latency

    Elgato Game Capture 4K60 Pro MK.2
    3 msBest
    Magewell Pro Capture HDMI 4K Plus
    5 ms-67%

    Which one should you pick?

    Choose Elgato Game Capture 4K60 Pro MK.2 if you want the lower latency (3 ms vs 5 ms).

    Choose Magewell Pro Capture HDMI 4K Plus if you already have it on hand or find it at a lower price.

    Price comparison

    RetailerElgato Game Capture 4K60 Pro MK.2Magewell Pro Capture HDMI 4K Plus
    AmazonView on Amazon

    Disclaimer: The price and specification of the given product may differ from the actual product. Please confirm on the retailer's website before buying.

    Verdict

    Elgato Game Capture 4K60 Pro MK.2

    7 / 10 Expert Rating

    Still a genuinely strong 4K60 HDR10 card if found discounted, though the 4K X and 4K Pro have since taken its place for good reasons.

    Magewell Pro Capture HDMI 4K Plus

    8 / 10 Expert Rating

    Professional-grade internal capture built for broadcast production, overkill and overpriced for anyone outside that world.

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